Ergonomic human-computer input device

ABSTRACT

An ergonomically developed, dome-shaped, alphanumeric interface apparatus for use with an electronic system, such as a computer or electric typewriter is described. The apparatus is configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and uses chording of both hands to type the characters of any user-defined alphabet. The device includes a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user&#39;s hand. Each dome is capable of movement in a plurality of discrete lateral sectors. The domes used together, utilizing a chording principle, can generate up to 144 characters depending on how many discrete movements are defined by the user. In a nonchording mode of operation, each dome is capable of producing up to 12 characters independently of the other dome. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. In addition, cursor control is possible via either dome.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a human-computer interface fordata entry, and more particularly, to a device that is ergonomicallydesigned with reference to the architecture and functions of the humanhand, wrist, and arm for providing data input to a computing device.

[0002] The development of ergonomically designed keyboards has resultedfrom an increased awareness and identification of physical problemsassociated with the use of conventional typewriter-like keyboards. Anergonomically designed keyboard attempts to create a key layout thatreduces finger travel and fatigue; promotes a more natural hand, wrist,and arm typing posture through design and support structures; or employsvarious key activation schema in order to enhance typing performance.

[0003] Due to the proliferation and availability of computer systems,there has been a dynamic growth in the use of keyboard devices. The term“computer systems” is used generically to refer to any microprocessorbased device having a hand or finger operated data entry system,including, for example, PC's, Palm Pilots®, or Sony Game Boys®. Variousannoying and debilitating muscular syndromes have accompanied thisexpansion, resulting from the repetitive and fatiguing hand, wrist, andfinger motions that are required in the use of conventional typewriterlike keyboards. There has been a growing concern over neuromuscularinjuries among clerical workers, journalists, computer programmers, andothers who use computers or typewriters extensively. These injuries, onewidely publicized of which is carpal tunnel syndrome, translate not onlyinto pain and potential disability for the affected users, but also intosignificant loss of money, time, and productivity for businesses.Attention to these problems is not new in the art, as is evidenced bymany serious attempts to alleviate keyboard-use “injuries” throughinnovative keyboard layouts and architectural designs.

[0004] Force, repetition, posture, rest, and stress are major factors tobe considered in controlling and eliminating keyboard-related injuries(KRIs). Analysis of each factor, both independently and in relation toone another, is necessary in designing a keyboard that eliminates orreduces KRIs, force and repetition being perhaps the most important inthe development of an ergonomically designed keyboard. Force is relatedto the musculature and conformation of the fingers and hands, whichplace limitations on their ability to perform a given task.

[0005] An abundance of human-computer_interaction literature hassuggested that some of the recently developed alphanumeric input devicesmay be more efficient, easier to learn, and may cause less physicaltrauma than conventional typewriter like keyboards. Of these recentlydesigned keyboards, most incorporate one or more design features thatenhance typing performance and reduce or eliminate fatigue or injury.These design features include: (1) splitting the keyboard to minimizewrist deviations; (2) key contouring and flexible key mapping tominimize finger travel; (3) built-in hand and arm support; (4) a ternarycapability in which keys rock back and forth to type; (5) a capabilityto rotate and tilt the device into numerous positions; and (6) a chordalcapability, in which more than one key must be depressed for a singlecharacter to be output.

[0006] In reference to eliminating or reducing force and repetitionfatigue factors, three approaches taken in the prior art are illustratedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,493, issued to Einbinder, U.S. Pat. No.4,849,732, issued to Dolenc, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,477, issued toGambaro.

[0007] Einbinder discloses a typewriter keyboard in which the keys arearranged to conform to the “footprint” of the human hand. This layout ofkeys is designed with topographically height- and angle-differentiatedactuation pads that attempt to minimize overall hand and finger motion.However, the Einbinder device stresses the importance of having “homepositions” for the finger and thumb tips, from which position thefingers, and therefore the hands, must travel appreciably in order toperform typical typing operations. Thus, the Einbinder device eliminatesonly a portion of the problem in solving the motion difficultiesencountered with conventional keyboards.

[0008] Similarly motivated by safety-related concerns, Dolenc teaches aone-hand key layout that includes a fanlike array of plural keysdistributed in elongated rows and organized for specific actuation bythe thumb and four fingers of the hand. Dolenc's device is concernedwith minimizing hand motion, but not finger motion. In fact, Dolencspeaks in terms of organizing keys in arrays in such a fashion that theytake into account the “motion and range of the respective fingers of thehand.” Thus Dolenc clearly considers fingertip actuation of each key.While Doleric seriously addresses the issue of minimizing hand motion,his system does not appreciably contribute to minimizing finger motion,nor to related wrist motion. In addition, this device does not addressthe angular and topographical distinctions for individual keys, such asthose described in the Einbinder patent. Dolenc also does not establisha “home position” for the tips of the fingers and thumb, as didEinbinder.

[0009] Gambaro discloses an ergonomically designed keyboard that isorganized with an array of keys that are disposed generally “tocomplement the splayed underside architecture of the user's hand.” Atwo-handed implementation is disclosed wherein each array includes, foreach finger of the hand, a cluster of input keys that are placed in sucha manner that they enable key actuation via only “slight, gestural,relatively closing motion of a portion of a confronting finger, and forthe thumb in each hand.” In addition, this design tries to overcomeergonomic problems with a set of keys disposed within two adjustable“hand-print”-shaped depressions. No appreciable movement of the fingersfrom the fingertip down to immediately below the first finger joint isrequired, each finger being capable of accessing four keys for themiddle, ring, and little fingers, eight keys for the first finger, and amultitude of keys for the thumb. Again, even though drastically reduced,finger movement is still required, and all fingers are required for fullkey set actuation.

[0010] Other issued patents that address modified keyboard and characterarrangements include U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,659, issued to Malt, U.S. Pat.No. 4,509,873, issued to Ryan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,470, issued to Casey,U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,681, issued to Hodges, U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,621,issued to Holden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,001, issued to Vulcano, U.S. Pat.No. 5,017,030, issued to Crews, U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,260, issued toRollason, U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,834, issued to Szmanda U.S. Pat. No.5,087,910, issued to Guyot-Sionnest, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,384, issuedto Spencer. None of these addresses the issues of keyboard use andmotion injuries.

[0011] Computing devices are regularly used for relatively long periodsof time by people of all ages and abilities, it is becoming increasinglyimportant that a device also accommodate the physically challenged.Prior art devices in general demand considerable manual and digitaldexterity to operate, making them difficult for some portion of thepopulation to utilize efficiently and effectively.

[0012] Two types of hand rests, both for partial and fall hand support,have been identified in the prior art. One kind acts as an actuator andis not intended to support a substantial part of the weight of the hand,but instead to impart some function. Another type of hand rest known inthe art serves only to spare the fingers from the proximity-actuatedkeys, to avoid accidentally operating the keys.

[0013] Applicant has previously obtained U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,638,062 and5,473,325 for ergonomically designed data input devices. Both of thesepatents disclose a hand or palm operated device which selects data inputby sliding of a dome-shaped member towards different sectors of acircle. For typing purposes, two such members are used, one controlledby each hand, so that two signals can be generated and combined toproduce as many keystroke entries as are generated by a conventionaltypewriter style keyboard. The present application is directed toimprovements in the structure disclosed in applicant's prior patents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Given the growing concern over keyboard-related finger and handmotion problems, it is an important aspect of the present invention toprovide an ergonomic human-computer interface apparatus that obviatesoveruse injuries, with the primary focus on the entire aggregate ofhand, wrist, and finger motions.

[0015] The apparatus in one embodiment comprises a pair of inputdevices, one for each hand. The device comprises a base and twopalm-engaging supports in the shape of a dome that fits in closecomplementary relationship with the palmar architecture of the hand in arelaxed state. Thus the hands and wrists of the user can be maintainedin their most relaxed position, with the domes tilted toward the userand away from the user's left-right midplane. The dome is coupledthrough movable means to the device base, which is in the shape of ashallow receptacle having a bottom. The receptacle is dimensioned sothat the lower edge of the dome can be positioned above the lower edgeof the base.

[0016] In one embodiment the dome is maintained in a substantially“home” or “centered” attitude when not under stress. When the dome issubjected to a sliding motion, a spring mechanism exerts a force on asensor, and means are provided to sense the movement and location of thedome for a specified direction of moving from the “home” position. Aneight-legged spring exerts tangential forces to the sensor thatcorrelate one-to-one to the motions of each dome and flower pedalarrangement.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment, a ergonomic handpiece, or dome, isattached to a kinematic map plate that is positioned above and affixedto the armature, the plate having a variable depth depression in theshape of a flower, the flower-shaped depression having a number ofpedals. The plate passes through a upper director plate and mates to afour post statically located member (spider) that actuates verticallyalong two posts on the upper director plate and, the spider posts mateto the center of the kinematic map plate flower pedals to provide themeans of guidance into one of the domes eight cardinal movement zones.When the dome is moved sufficiently linearly far, it is moved into oneof the flower points. Means for registering dome displacement areprovided via the mating of the flower pedal shape and the spider member,which in turn generate a location signal. When a location signal isgenerated by each input device sequentially or simultaneously, the pairof location signals is translated into a unique “keystroke” signal. Itcan be seen that the possible number of unique keystroke signalsavailable is related to the number of flower pattern pedals in eachinput device; namely, it is equal to the number of flower pattern pedalsin the right-hand input device times that in the left-hand input device.This combination of signals to generate a unique keystroke is calledchording. The system of chording described here can be used to access aset of user-definable characters, which can then be manipulated into aform suitable for transmission to a computer or like electronic device.Although chording has been used in some prior art keyboards, theparticular scheme of chording used in the present invention is unique.

[0018] An additional set of keystrokes is accessible by generatinglocation signals from each input device used alone. The number ofpossible unique keystroke signals available in this way equals thenumber of flower pedal points in the right-hand device plus the numberof star points in the left-hand device.

[0019] A conventional keyboard typically contains individual keys, eachhaving the keystroke it represents imprinted thereon. An equivalentfeature is disclosed here to assist the user in locating the sectorsinto which the domes must be linearly moved to produce a givenkeystroke. This comprises a color-coded annulus, one associated witheach dome, which contains indicia that provide a correspondence betweendome attitude and keystroke. The user affixes this annulus to the topedge of the device base wall, where it is visible.

[0020] The invention described herein requires no appreciable hand orwrist motion and no finger motion, and since the movement required isrelatively small, only a slight motion of a user's arms is required tooutput a desired keystroke. More specifically, use of the proposeddevice requires little shifting of the hand from a rest position, anddoes not require wrist rotation for maneuvers that are performed onconventional keyboards by the four fingers and the thumb. Since thefingers are not required to perform any maneuvering for typing, insteadof focusing on finger-tip activation, the present device is designed tocall for only slight motion of a person's arm and/or hand for actuationof keystrokes.

[0021] The left hand and right hand domes have different switches toenact various keyboard functioning. In the left hand dome, a switch isprovided at the location of the top surface of the upper director plate.Applying vertical pressure to the dome activates this switch. When theswitch has not been depressed, a first set of unique keystroke signalsis available, as described above. A single depression and release of thedome permits access to a second set of keystroke signals equal in numberto the first set. For instance, depressing and holding of the left domemay access the “shift” function. Depressing and releasing the left domecan activate the “shift-lock” function.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, special switchingmeans is provided for selectively altering the location of a cursor byplacing one dome into a “mouse” mode. A single sequential depression andrelease of the right hand dome allows that dome to act as a positioningcursor or “mouse”. It is this vertical actuation that rotates the rampsvia little triangles in the spider. The spider moves vertically to oneof two positions on vertical actuation of the right hand dome. Oneposition allows the spider to seat firmly in the flower pedal shape toaid in dome guidance and the other position is at a level where thespider is not seated in the flower pedals giving the kinematic plate thefreedom to move about in 360 degrees. To effect this capability anopposing ramp geometry mechanism rotates the ramps 45 degrees to actuatea switch that enables the mouse mode and lowers the spider to the “freeform” position. When the ramp is rotated and the mouse switch isactivated (when the needle switch is bent) the mouse mode is initiated.Once initiated, the electronic logic senses the mode and allows formouse cursor movement using the right hand dome and the left hand domeis then used for the mouse left, right, and middle clicks (up to sixteendifferent clicks can be programmed in the device). No comparable cursorcontrol system is known in the art. This type of built-in cursor, or“mouse,” activation and control allows for total hand on-board typingand cursor control. The right switch is mounted on the top surface ofthe upper director plate on the right hand dome assembly. Applyingvertical pressure to the dome activates this switch. When the switch hasnot been depressed, a first set of unique keystroke signals isavailable, as described above. A single depression and release of thedome permits access to a mouse navigation signal.

[0023] In another embodiment of the disclosed invention, palm and fingerpads are provided on the dome to engage and support the hand. None ofthe prior art hand rests purports to support the hand while in motion,all having been specifically contoured to fit the shape of a statichand.

[0024] The present invention permits maximum flexibility in definingcharacter location, activation force, activation displacement, andphysical orientation of the keyboard; it can be used by a physicallychallenged individual because it will permit adaptation to his or herunique physical requirements. In addition, because finger movement hasbeen totally eliminated, individuals with partial hand or fingerparalysis or absence can still manipulate the device. The flexibilityinherent in the positioning of the hands and arms will thus providesignificantly improved ergonomic character.

[0025] Additional flexibility is provided in that variable dome sizescan be made to accommodate any user. In recognition that a“one-size-fits-all” approach may not be entirely appropriate to dealwith users' hands that are significantly larger or smaller than a“median” hand size, the structure of the invention proposed hereinpermits different dome sizes to accommodate a range of hand sizes andfinger spans. In addition, it can be appreciated by one skilled in theart that other ergonomically satisfactory shapes besides domes may beutilized, such as balls or flat boards.

[0026] The symmetry and function of the design allows for anotherreduction in the size of the handpiece dome and other components,thereby making it an ideal candidate for miniaturization.Miniaturization of the keyboard has been up to this a difficult taskbecause of the need to accommodate human fingers. The inventiondescribed herein allows for easy miniaturization because the fingermetrics are not considered as part of the design. In fact, oneembodiment requires the use of only one finger, preferably the thumb, ofeach hand, to operate the apparatus. For example, the control mechanismdisclosed can be implemented as a pair of thumb-operated elements on theface of devices such as a Palm Pilot® or Game Boy® hand-held units.

[0027] Since the design contains no unitary “keys” requiring independentmovement, it is possible to make the devices completely sealed to beweatherproof so that they are hostile-environment ready. Their designallows for total enclosure, and therefore protection, from water, dirt,dust, etc. No comparable air-tight system is known in the art.

[0028] Designing the device entailed an analysis of the functionalcapabilities of the hand and in particular how to eliminate fingermovement. The capabilities were based on physical as well asphysiological components of the musculature and dimensions of the hand.Using this information, a key and control layout was created aroundthese capabilities, taking into account the hand's form and function,capitalizing on strengths and designing out weaknesses, especially inthe fingers. The resulting design is uniquely natural and efficient, andis easy to learn and use.

[0029] It can be appreciated that another possible embodiment of thepresent invention comprises a unitary input apparatus as alreadydescribed for one-handed operation. A certain set of keystrokes isaccessible by rocking the dome into the available signal-generatingsectors, the number of keystrokes available being equal to the number ofsectors. In addition, chording is possible with the use of the switchingmeans described above. In this embodiment, the user rocks the dome intoone sector, simultaneously depressing the dome sufficiently to activatethe switching means. While maintaining vertical pressure on the dome,the dome is returned to the “home” position, and then moved into asecond sector. The signals generated by the motion of the dome are then“chorded” in a similar fashion to that utilized in the dual input deviceembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a keyboard illustrating oneembodiment of the invention, using two domes shaped to fit the naturalshape of the hands at rest;

[0031]FIG. 2 is a top view of the keyboard of FIG. 1, illustrating thegeneral shape of the keyboard;

[0032]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the keyboard of FIG. 1 illustratinggenerally the components forming the underlying structure;

[0033]FIG. 4 illustrates a pair of character definition rings for thekeyboard;

[0034]FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate details of the assembly to the domeapparatus in two respective positions;

[0035]FIG. 6 illustrates the underside of one dome;

[0036]FIG. 7 illustrates a hand-held, thumb operated apparatus; and

[0037]FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate cross-section and exploded views,respectively, of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is indicated generally by thenumeral 10 an ergonomically designed interface apparatus for enteringinformation by a human operator to a suitable electronic system (notshown) such as a computer. The coupling arrangement between apparatus 10and the computer, which entails an electronic device coupled with anelectronic alphanumeric device, is well known to those skilled in theart. As it forms no part of the present invention, this coupling isomitted from the present discussion but will be recognized as comprisinga communication link using a cable, infrared transmitter/receiver orother suitable means.

[0039] In accordance with the underlying objects to which the presentinvention is directed, device 10 takes on a sculpted form that isintended to complement closely the typical palmar architecture of thehuman hand at rest. Accordingly, apparatus 10 has bilateral symmetry,which can be seen in FIG. 2, with a left-hand device 102, which conformsto a user's left hand, and a right-hand device 104, which conforms tothe user's right hand. In one embodiment, various hand-shaped domes isformed in each device to aid in positioning and improving comfort.Devices 102 and 104 are secured to a base 28, respectively. Thesestructures in the preferred embodiment are formed of molded plastic.

[0040] For simplification, the structure and operation of the interfacedevice 10 is described hereinafter with reference to right-hand inputdevice 104, it being understood that device 102 is structurallyidentical. Base 28 in the preferred embodiment comprises a shallowtruncated receptacle with a bottom 298 and curved side wall 296 tocreate an interior space dimensioned to permit dome 104 to fit withinthe space. In an embodiment suitable for hostile environments, inputdevice 104 can be completely sealed and airtight. This is accomplishedby attaching one edge of a rubberized expandable gasket (not shown)around the lower edge of the dome and the other edge of the gasket tothe top surface of base 28. Gasket is sufficiently flexible to enablethe working of dome 104 and may be accomplished by using an accordionpleated gasket.

[0041] Dome 104 is coupled (see FIG. 5) to base 28 via a ridged annulus106 that is attached at its raised upper end 108. Annulus 106 has acorresponding spring loaded connection to an armature 110. Annulus 106fits inside inverse receptacle pattern 112 (see FIG. 4) on the underside114 of dome 104.

[0042] The tension parameter associated with a sliding motion can bemodified in the armature 110 with the use of a spring 116. Spring 116 issnapped into armature hole 118. It can be seen that the installation ofa heavier spring (force) will increase the tension associated withmoving armature 110, and, hence, with sliding dome 104. Increasing thetension will not lead to an increase in force required to activateswitch 120, the operation of which will be described later.

[0043] When an operator's hand is positioned atop dome 104, linearmovement of kinematic plate or annulus 106 can be seen to cause a motionin armature, which is mounted on sensing unit 122 below upper directorplate 124. Armature 110 forms part of transducer structure, which iscoupled to the position sensing device 122 which in turn is affixed tobase bottom 298.

[0044] Kinematic plate 126, containing flower pedal-shaped impression128, which has eight pedal arranged grooves in the most preferredembodiment, is constructed and positioned as follows. Kinematic plate126 having four flower pedal-shaped impressions 128, is placed over fourposts of spider mechanism 130 mating to the center of each flower pedalimpression on kinematic plate.

[0045] Flower pedal-shaped impressions 128 define the possible movementof the dome 104 in the following manner. As dome 104 is moved linearlyfrom a center resting location, a linear displacement is induced on thekinematic plate 126. Because the flower pedal shapes are providing theonly source of guidance when mated with the spider, the motions of thedome are therefore restricted to the motions of the flower pedal. Theflower pedal moves along the statically located spider tips to providepositive guidance of the domes into one of their eight respectivepositions.

[0046] Linear displacement of kinematic plate can be induced only to theextent of the spider posts reaching one of the eight flower pedal points132. Thus each of the flower pedal points 132 creates a “stop” tokinematic plate movement. The extent of kinematic plate displacementneeded to reach one of these “stops” defines the point at which thesensing unit 134 outputs a location signal.

[0047] The eight-position flower pedal geometry can be easily replacedwith any aperture having from one to twelve points, and, in addition,the size of the flower can be varied. Since the transduction of linearydisplacement into a location signal is software controlled, there isvirtually unlimited flexibility inherent in this system.

[0048] Kinematic plate 126 travels freely through upper director plate124 in both the vertical direction to allow activation of switch button120, which is used to enable cursor control (a “mouse”) and to signal anoperation and the horizontal position to allow horizontal movement ofthe dome to allow for typing alphanumeric characters. Switch button 120is affixed atop the director plate 124 of the structure and immediatelybeneath the spider 130 but not in contact with the spider bottom. Whenkinematic plate 126 is depressed via dome 104 being pushed downward andthen released, spider mechanism 130 moves along the two spring loadedposts on the upper director plate, which in turn depresses button 120mounted on top of upper director plate. Button 128 in turn registersactivation via lead 136. In this embodiment, a single depression ofswitch button 120 outputs a “shift” signal; a single click activationenables access of the “shift lock” function, double click initiates “numlock”. When the single input device embodiment is desired, the switchingmeans further permits the user to “chord” two location signals from oneinput device to create a keystroke, as will be discussed in the methodsection.

[0049] Considering FIGS. 3 and 5, kinematic plate 126 passes through thecenter of upper director plate 106. The previously described linearmotion of dome 104 induces a movement of kinematic plate 106 into one ofthe flower pedal points 132. Character definition ring 138 p (See FIG.6) provides indicia that, when used either alone or in concert withcharacter definition ring 140 on the left-hand input device 102, providea correspondence between dome-attitude and the keystroke generated. (Seesection on method of use.) In this embodiment, eight radially disposedsectors 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, and 54 on character definition ring224 correspond to the eight star points 142. Intersecting radial sectors47-54 are five concentric rings 144, 146, 148, 150, and 152 on characterdefinition ring 138, forming a grid that defines the keystrokecharacters. In the preferred embodiment the rings are color coded to aidthe user in keystroke production. For the selector and keystroke ringcombination described here and shown in FIGS. 2a and 2 b, eight distinctcolors would be needed, with colors appearing on the eight radialsectors of left-hand selector ring 140. The eight radial colors areassociated to eight colored concentric rings on the right hand dome.

[0050] The dome 102 provided for the user's left hand in device 10,appearing on the left-hand side of FIG. 1, is, generally speaking, amirror image of what has just been described for the right-hand side ofFIG. 1.

[0051] Two motions are then required to access a single keystrokeappearing on rings as will be described in the method section. This isin contrast to the conventional keyboard, which requires the hands to bein an offset relationship with respect to the arm in the normaloperation of the keyboard. As a result of this design, it is possible tominimize, if not completely eliminate, the strain and stress on thewrist and interconnecting musculoskeletal portions of the wrist, arm,and hands. Additionally, one can anticipate that learning the circularkey layout, as well as the dome manipulation technique, will be easierand that accuracy will increase over totime.

[0052] When the dual input device embodiment is utilized, which isconsidered the preferred embodiment, keystroke signals are generated inone of two ways: using a single dome to access one of eight keystrokesavailable from each device, or using a chordal motion. In “chording” acombination of two signals, one from each device 102 and 104 in theapparatus, is translated into a single signal having a uniquecorrespondence with one of a set of keystroke signals.

[0053] Software means, which are not a part of this invention, are usedto effect this translation. Indeed, as this part of the process issoftware controlled, it can be seen by one skilled in the art thatvirtually unlimited flexibility is possible in character location anddefinition, thus enabling the user to create special sets of charactersor direct digital control signals as needed.

[0054] The generation of keystroke signals will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 and 4, which depict character definition rings 138and 140 and their respective sets of available characters.

[0055] The method of generating keystroke signals using devices 102 and104 simultaneously, that is, by “chording,” will first be described.Each of these character selector rings 138 and 140 comprises eightconcentric rings: eight color-coded rings radially divided into eightsectors, as described in the apparatus section. Sliding one dome intoone of the eight colored sectors of its selector ring provides half ofthe “chord” needed to output a keystroke signal, and indicates to theuser in a color-coded fashion which set of characters of thecorrespondingly colored band on the opposite ring will be accessible.

[0056] As an example, if the color red indicated by the red sector(cross-hatched) 141 of ring 140 in FIG. 6, is chosen with the left-handdome, the set of characters shown in red ring (cross-hatched) 143 on theright hand dome is enabled. The reverse process also holds. This designhas been implemented to enable to user to utilize is less precision withone hand than the other and allow for either sequential or simultaneousmovements. It can further be seen that character definition (which issoftware controlled) could take into account the user's handedness byplacing those characters that are most often used in positionsrequiring, for instance, less precision with the left hand than theright.

[0057] Keystrokes may also be generated by a single device 102 or 104simply by sliding only one dome 102 or 104 into a flower pedal point,leaving the other dome in its “home” position.

[0058] It can be seen that in this embodiment there are 64 uniquekeystrokes available. Activating the switch 120 doubles this number,and, in the most preferred embodiment, the indicia present on characterdefinition rings 138 and 140 would also comprise a second symbol setindicative of the keystrokes that would be generated with the deviceplaced in the “shift” mode. For simplicity this second set of keystrokesymbols has been omitted from FIG. 4.

[0059] A single input device to output a set of keystrokes can also beused. Again, keystrokes may be generated either by sequential orsimutaneous chording or by a single motion.

[0060] Chording is accomplished by two successive linear motions of thedome and also involves the switching apparatus located at the base ofshaft 142. Specifically, to output the letter “e,” for instance, thedome is linearly moved into the hatched sector 144 located on theselector ring 140 while depressing the dome to activate the switch. Withor without releasing the vertical pressure on the switch, the dome isreturned to the “home’ position and then rocked into sector 146. Hatchedring sector 146 is seen to correspond to the letter “r.”

[0061] It can be seen that in this embodiment there are 64 uniquekeystrokes available. Activating the left dome switch 120 doubles thisnumber to 128, and, in the most preferred embodiment, the indiciapresent on character definition ring 140 would also comprise a secondsymbol set indicative of the key strokes that would be generated withthe device placed in the “shift” mode. For simplicity this second set ofkeystroke symbols has been omitted from FIG. 4.

[0062] Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown a perspective view of theapplication of the present invention to a hand-held device in which thepalm controls 102 and 104 are implemented in the form of thumbcontrollers 160, 162. This type of device would typically be used with aPalm Pilot® or Game Boy® to allow the user device to hold the device intwo hands and use a thumb of each hand to control the respective thumbcontrollers. The structure underlying the thumb controllers can be aminiaturized version of the structure described above with regard toFIGS. 3 and 5.

[0063]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view and FIG. 9 is an exploded view ofone implementation of the thumb control used in the embodiment of FIG.7. In FIG. 9, it can be seen that the exposed thumb control 160 extendsthrough a top housing section 164 and connects to a switch device 166.The switch device 166 may have actuation switches attached to allowsensing of depressing of the switch in the same manner as wasimplemented with regard to switch 120 in FIG. 5. A strain gauge pressureswitch 168 fits within a recess 170 in a lower flexible plate 172. Theplate 172 fits against a bottom portion of the switch 166 and senseslateral movement of the switch. The strain gauge may be of the type usedin some laptop computers.

[0064] When the flexible plate rocks, the sensor registers and sendselectric signals to a logic board which detects the direction in whichthe plate is being moved. The previously described flower pedal patterncan be impressed into the upper housing 164 to provide a guidingmechanism for the thumb controller 162. This would enable the thumbcontroller to be guided into precise locations for implementing a typingsequence of the kind described with regards to the device of FIG. 1.

[0065] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used forbrevity, clarity, and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations areto be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art,because such words are used for description purposes herein and areintended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the embodiments of theapparatus illustrated and described herein are by way of example, andthe scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details ofconstruction.

[0066] Having now described the invention, the construction, theoperation and use of preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageousnew and useful results obtained thereby, the new and usefulconstructions, and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious tothose skilled in the art, are set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An interface apparatus comprising: a base; meansfor supporting a human palm, dimensioned substantially to conform to theshape of the human palm under low static muscle load and comprising adome shaped member having a lower edge, an upper surface, and a lowersurface; coupling means, movably connecting the palm support means tothe base, a movement of the palm support means causing a movement of thecoupling means, the coupling means movable between any one of aplurality of keystroke-defining locations an a home location, thecoupling means comprising a rodlike member having an upper end and alower end, the upper end movably connected to the lower surface of thedome shaped member; position indicating means coupled to the couplingmeans for sensing a movement of the coupling means from the homelocation to a first of the keystroke-defining locations and generating afirst location signal indicative of the first keystroke defininglocation of the coupling means, the position indicating meanscomprising: a support structure affixed to the base; a spherical memberhaving a bore dimensioned to permit the rodlike member to passtherethrough, the spherical member positioned between the upper end andthe lower end of the rodlike member; a first and a second sway arm, eachsway arm having a distal end and a proximal end, each proximal endmovably affixed to the support structure, the first and the second swayarm positioned in substantially 90 degree relation to each other, eachsway arm having a central curved portion dimensioned to pass beneath andcradle the spherical member; a first potentiometer, affixed to thedistal end of the first sway arm; and a second potentiometer, affixed tothe distal end of the second sway arm; wherein: a movement of therodlike member moves the spherical member; a movement of the sphericalmember causes a movement of the first and the second sway arm; amovement of the first sway arm causes the first potentiometer togenerate a first potentiometer signal; and a movement of the second swayarm causes the second potentiometer to generate a second potentiometersignal; and means for limiting the movement of the rodlike member shapedto guide the rodlike member over a substantial portion of the movementfrom the home location to a one of the keystroke-defining locations, themovement limiting means affixed in spaced relation above the base andpositioned beneath the dome shaped member and above the sphericalmember, the movement limiting means having a star-shaped aperture, theaperture having a plurality of star points, the rodlike member passingthrough the aperture, wherein the position indicating means furthercomprises means for determining when the rodlike member has reached afirst star point corresponding to the first keystroke-defining 20location and means for translating the first and the secondpotentiometer signals into the first location signal when the domeshaped member is moved sufficiently far to cause the rodlike member toreach one of the star points; and means for receiving the first locationsignal from the position indicating means and for translating the firstlocation signal into a first keystroke signal having a uniquecorrespondence with the first location signal.
 2. The interfaceapparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the 30 position indicating meansfarther comprises spring means for biasing the rodlike member to returnfrom a keystrokedefining location to the home location.
 3. The interfaceapparatus recited in claim 2, wherein the keystroke signal is one of afirst set of keystroke signals, the 35 first set comprising a numberdetermined by the number of star points in the movement limiting means.4. The interface apparatus recited in claim 3, further comprisingswitching means wherein the switching means enables access to a secondset of keystroke signals, the 40 second set comprising a numberdetermined by the number of star points in the movement limiting means.5. The interface apparatus recited in claim 4, wherein the switchingmeans are activated by a downward depression and subsequent release ofthe dome shaped member.
 6. The interface apparatus recited in claim 5,wherein the switching means further enables access to a cursor controlfunction.
 7. The interface apparatus recited in claim 6, wherein accessto the cursor control function is enabled by two 50 successive downwarddepressions and releases of the domeshaped member.
 8. The interfaceapparatus recited in claim 5, wherein a downward depression and a firstmovement of the dome shaped member sufficient to generate a firstlocation signal 55 followed by a second movement of the dome shapedmember sufficient to generate a second location signal generates a sumsignal, and wherein the interface apparatus further comprises means fortranslating the sum signal into a keystroke signal having a uniquecorrespondence with the 60 sum signal.
 9. The interface apparatusrecited in claim 2, wherein the base has a bottom and a wall extendingsubstantially vertically from and surrounding the bottom, the wall andthe bottom creating an interior space dimensioned to receive the 65lower edge of the dome shaped member.
 10. The interface apparatusrecited in claim 9, wherein: the bottom of the base has a circularshape; and the wall of the base comprises: a first upwardly extendingportion integrally connected to the bottom, the first portion making aninterior angle greater than 90 degrees with the bottom; and a secondupwardly extending portion integrally connected to the first portion,the second portion being substantially vertical. The interface apparatusrecited in claim 9, wherein the 10 base of the apparatus furthercomprises an annulus affixed to the wall, the annulus being positionedabove the lower edge of the dome shaped member, the annulus containingindicia providing a correspondence between a position of the domeshapedmember and a keystroke-defining location of the 15 rodlike member, fordetermining the corresponding location signal generated by the positionindicating means when the dome shaped member is moved to that position.11. The interface apparatus recited in claim 1, wherein the base of theapparatus further comprises means for tilting the base about at leastone axis.
 12. The interface apparatus recited in claim 11, wherein thetilting means comprises: a tilting support comprising: a circular bottomhaving a periphery; a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface,the wall connected along the periphery of the bottom, the wall having afirst portion having a first height and a second portion having a secondheight, the first height being less than the second height, the firstportion and the second portion being substantially opposed; a planar tophaving a periphery having a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion and the second portion bring substantially opposed; hingemeans connecting the first portion of the planar top with the firstportion of the wall; a plurality of attachment means affixed to andvertically arrayed on the inner surface of the wall along the secondportion of the wall; and means for reversibly attaching the secondportion of the top with one of the attachment means; and means foraffixing the base to the planar top of the tilting base.
 13. Theinterface apparatus recited in claim 12, wherein the means for affixingthe base to the planar top of the tilting support further comprisesmeans for moving the base from a first position to a second position andmeans for locking the base in second position.
 14. The interfaceapparatus recited in claim 13, wherein: the coupling means furthercomprises a second spherical member having a hole, the second sphericalmember affixed to the upper end of the rodlike member, the holecollinear with and on the opposite side of the second spherical memberfrom the rodlike member; a hollow receptacle having an aperture isaffixed to the lower surface of the dome shaped member, substantially inthe center of the dome shaped member, the aperture of the hollowreceptacle being dimensioned to receive the second spherical member, thesecond spherical member is inserted into the receptacle; the dome shapedmember has a hole substantially in the center, the hole in the domeshaped member in communication with the receptacle aperture; thecoupling means further comprises a fastener means having a headdimensioned larger than the hole in the dome shaped member and having anelongated member attached to the head; and the elongated member of thefastener means is inserted into the hole in the dome shaped member, withthe head against the upper surface of the dome shaped member, theelongated member further being inserted into the hole in the secondspherical member to affix the second spherical member to the dome shapedmember.
 15. An interface apparatus comprising: a first and a secondinput device, each input device 10 comprising: a device base; means forsupporting a human palm, dimensioned substantially to conform to theshape of the human 15 palm under low static muscle load, the palmsupport means comprising a dome shaped member having a lower edge, anupper surface, and a lower surface; coupling means, movably connectingthe palm support means to the device base, a movement of the palmsupport means causing a movement of the coupling 20 means, the couplingmeans movable between any one of a plurality of keystroke-defininglocations and a home location, the coupling means comprising a rodlikemember having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end movablyconnected to the lower 25 surface of the dome shaped member, andposition indicating means coupled to the coupling a means for sensing amovement of the coupling means from the home location to a firstkeystroke defining location and generating a first location signal 30indicative of the first keystrokc-defining location of the couplingmeans, the position indicating means comprising: a support structure,the support structure affixed to the device base; a spherical memberhaving a bore dimensioned to permit the rodlike member to passtherethrough, the spherical member positioned between the upper end andthe lower end of the rodlike member a first and a second sway arm, eachsway arm having 40 a distal end and a proximal end, each proximal endmovably affixed to the support structure, the first and the second swayarm positioned in substantially 90 degree relation to each other, eachsway arm having 45 a central curved portion dimensioned to pass beneathand cradle the spherical member; a first potentiometer, affixed to thedistal end of the first sway arm; and a second potentiometer, affixed tothe distal end of the second sway arm; wherein: a movement of therodlike member moves the spherical member; a movement of the sphericalmember causes a movement of the first and the second sway arm; amovement of the first sway arm causes the first potentiometer togenerate a first potentiometer signal; and a movement of the second swayarm causes the second potentiometer to generate a second potentiometersignal; and means for limiting the movement of the rodlike member shapedto guide the rodlike member over a substantial portion of the movementfrom the home location to the first keystroke-defining location, themovement limiting means affixed in spaced relation above the device baseand positioned beneath the dome-shaped member and above the sphericalmember, the movement limiting means having a starshaped aperture, theaperture having a plurality of star points, the rodlike member passingthrough the aperture, wherein the position indicating means furthercomprises means for determining when the rodlike member has reached afirst star point corresponding to the first keystroke-defining locationand means for translating the first and the second potentiometer signalsinto the first location signal when the dome shaped member is movedsufficiently far to cause the rodlike member to reach the first starpoint; and means for receiving the first location signals from theposition indicating means of the first and the second input devices andfor translating the first location signals into a first keystroke signalhaving a unique correspondence with the first location signals from thefirst and the second input device.
 16. The interface apparatus recitedin claim 15, wherein the position indicating means further comprisesspring means for biasing the sensing member to return from a one of thekeystroke-defining locations to the home location.
 17. Ile interfaceapparatus recited in claim 16, wherein the keystroke signal is one of afirst set of keystroke signals, the first set comprising a numberdetermined by the number of flower pedal points in the star-shapedapertures of the first and the second input devices.
 18. The interfaceapparatus recited in claim 17, further comprising a first and a secondswitching means in communication with the first and the second inputdevices, respectively, wherein the first and the second switching meansenable access to a second set of keystroke signals, the second setcomprising a number determined by the number of star points in thestar-shaped apertures of the first and the second input devices.
 19. Theinterface apparatus recited in claim 18, wherein the switching means areactivated by a downward depression and subsequent release of the domeshaped member.
 20. The interface apparatus recited in claim 19, whereinthe switching means further enables access to a cursor control function.